Raw cotton exports from Tanzania: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of raw cotton by Tanzania reached $83.0 million in 2024 (40.6 thousand tonnes). Value fell 18% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 12% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2020, at $108.1 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $83.0M | 40.6K t |
| 2023 | $100.6M | 50.4K t |
| 2022 | $91.3M | 33.9K t |
| 2021 | $73.8M | 32.6K t |
| 2020 | $108.1M | 49.4K t |
| 2019 | $62.8M | 50.6K t |
| 2018 | $67.3M | 28.7K t |
| 2017 | $38.4M | 20.3K t |
Where Tanzania exports raw cotton to
Most of it went to India (43%), Pakistan (24%), Bangladesh (14%). Among the main buyer markets, India grew fastest (+98% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $35.8M | 43% |
| Pakistan | $19.7M | 24% |
| Bangladesh | $11.4M | 14% |
| China | $6.8M | 8.2% |
| Vietnam | $2.4M | 2.9% |
| Mauritius | $1.4M | 1.7% |
| Portugal | $1.0M | 1.3% |
| Kenya | $771K | 0.9% |
| Italy | $714K | 0.9% |
| Taiwan | $628K | 0.8% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.05 per kg, close to the world average of $1.93.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in Tanzania?
The shipment records behind Tanzania raw cotton exports (HS 5201): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Direct customs feed: shipment-level records from the official customs source.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 5201: Cotton; not carded or combed.
Common questions
What is the value of raw cotton exported by Tanzania?
Tanzania exported raw cotton worth $83.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 40.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 17th of 149 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 18% on 2023.
Which countries buy raw cotton from Tanzania?
India was the largest buyer with 43% of the value ($35.8 million), followed by Pakistan (24%) and Bangladesh (14%). The top three together account for 81%, out of 26 buyer countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 98% on the year.
What is the average export price of raw cotton per kg?
The average declared export value was about $2.05 per kg in 2024, 6% above the world average of $1.93 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of raw cotton from Tanzania changed since 2017?
Exports went from $38.4 million in 2017 to $83.0 million in 2024, an increase of 116%. The peak was 2020 at $108.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $78.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for raw cotton?
The HS code for raw cotton is heading 5201. In Tanzania all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 5201.00. It sits in HS chapter 52 (cotton). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 5201 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; the company-level detail sits in EximDataX, which has a direct customs feed for Tanzania. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
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